Prunus rootstock named ‘Sam 1’

ABSTRACT

A new and distinct variety of root stocks is described and which is characterized as to novelty by its resistance to Oak Root fungus and Root-Knot nematodes.

Latin name: Prunus dulcis.

Varietal denomination: ‘SAM 1’.

BACKGROUND OF THE VARIETY

The present invention relates to a new and distinct variety of Prunusrootstock, Prunus dulcis, and which has been denominated varietallyhereinafter as ‘SAM 1.’

ORIGIN

The new variety of rootstock was discovered in 2005 within thecommercial orchard of the inventor and which is located near Durham,Butte County, Calif. Local real estate records show that this orchardwas planted in the early 1930s. Historical records indicate that fromthe late 1800s to the early 1950s, almonds produced in the State ofCalifornia were typically grown on almond seedlings. Sources of thesealmond seedlings were typically derived from local wild trees of thebitter almond and/or hard-shelled almond seedling varieties. Many ofthese early-day almond rooted orchards were grown, “dryland,” that is,without supplemental irrigation. In the late 1940s and early 1950s, andas supplemental irrigation of almond orchards became more prevalent inthe State of California, the use of peach seedlings for rootstocks ofalmond trees became more widespread. Those skilled in the art recognizethat peach roots are generally more resistant to wet soil condition thanalmond tree roots. The ‘Lovell’ rootstock (unpatented) became the mostresistant of all peach root stock adopted by growers. Currently, andbased upon the inventor's best knowledge, almost no new commercialorchards in the State of California are planted on almond seedlingrootstock.

The original orchard of discovery, and in which the new tree was found,had been replanted in a piecemeal fashion since 1974. This replanting ofthe orchard of discovery was due to the ongoing death of many trees fromboth Oak Root fungus (‘Armillaria mella’); and Crown and Root rot(Phytophthora Spp.) and which are sometimes associated with excess wateror uneven irrigation practices. Still further, many trees in theoriginal orchard of discovery were previously damaged by high winds.

The Oak Root fungus disease, which is a common, and usually fataldisease in northern California orchards, was found widespread in theorchard of discovery, but appeared to not attack the new variety ofrootstock during the more than 75 years that the tree has been growingin the orchard. As trees in the original orchard declined or died, theywere replanted on ‘Mariana 2624’ rootstock (unpatented), and which hasdemonstrated a good resistance to Oak Root fungus. Further, during the75 years or more that the current newly discovered tree has been growingin the aforementioned commercial orchard, the newly discovered tree wasnever damaged by multiple relatively high-impact windstorms thatperiodically occur in the Butte County region of Northern California. Atthe time of discovery, the newly discovered tree was producing‘Nonpareil’ almonds (unpatented), and which is the most widely plantedalmond variety among all the almond varieties growing in the State ofCalifornia.

The ‘Nonpareil’ almond tree produces a crop which has high quality meat,high production volumes, and is further easy to process. It is a highlypreferred variety for grower plantings. The ‘Nonpareil,’ however, hasmore graft incompatibility problems than other almond varieties, and isnot compatible on the ‘Mariana 2624’ rootstock (unpatented) and which issometimes used for almond plantings. The positive performance of thenewly discovered ‘SAM 1’ tree, and the subsequently describedperformance of the asexually reproduced trees produced by the inventorconfirm the compatibility of the new variety ‘Sam 1’ and which iscapable of growing the ‘Nonpareil’ variety of almond.

As noted earlier, the Oak Root fungus disease is endemic in the State ofCalifornia and has killed almond trees on a regular basis in the orchardof discovery. The long-term healthy condition of the original newlydiscovered tree at this orchard of origin would seem to indicate to theinventor that a substantial degree of resistance or tolerance to thisdisease has been developed by this newly discovered tree. Still further,new test plantings of asexually reproduced and rooted ‘Sam 1’ trees atthe original orchard of discovery, and which have been growing now formore than five (5) years, has shown no newly planted trees beinginfected by Oak Root fungus.

Those skilled in the art have long recognized that almond rootstock, andpeach rootstock, which have been utilized in more recent years foralmond trees, are susceptible to Root-Knot nematodes that invade theroot tissue and cause substantial damage. This root damage usuallycauses poor tree and root vigor, and poor tree canopy development. Incombination, this results in lowered production of crop. Root-Knotnematodes are present in many soil types throughout California, and areoften more severe in lighter soils. Tests conducted in Parlier, Calif.,have indicated that the new, and novel variety of root stock has a highdegree of tolerance/resistance to Root-Knot nematode.

In addition to the foregoing, the present, newly discovered variety ofrootstock appears to have a noteworthy root structure, and which allowsor permits the present variety of rootstock to withstand high windloads, thus preventing wind-related damage to the tree.

As earlier noted, since the widespread adoption of peach seedlings asrootstock (post 1945), the rate of damage to orchards due to high-windshas significantly increased. The damage due to high-winds in orchards isspeculated to have come about as a result of the use of peach rootstockinasmuch as peach roots tend to be smaller in size, and are moreshallowly rooted in view of current irrigation practices. Consequently,when orchards are exposed to high winds, many trees are often blowndown, or damaged beyond recovery. The ability of the recently discoveredtree to withstand high wind speeds, even as an old and high stature treein recent windstorms where winds topped more than 80 miles per hour, isa testimony to the newly discovered rootstock's strength and durability.The attached drawings (FIG. 5) shows a photograph of recently removedtrees from the orchard of origin and which shows the rootcharacteristics of the new rootstock, and which demonstrates that mostof the side roots extend out and in a downward position. This appearsconducive to an eventual deeper rooting than what might be expected fromthe use of peach rootstock.

The parents of the present newly discovered variety are unknown. Arecent DNA analysis suggests that the new variety has a DNA profile mostconsistent with a hybrid Prunus rootstock. However, there are no otherrecords available from the original orchard of origin which wouldconfirm the origin of the newly discovered tree.

On the date of discovery, in 2005, there were only five large, healthyalmond trees remaining from the original 1930 era orchard, including thenewly discovered tree. The unique size, productivity and survival ofthese five large, long-lived trees prompted the inventor, followingseveral additional years of observations, and in the fall of 2009, tohave cuttings removed from root suckers of two (2) of the five oldremaining trees. The cuttings removed from the tree of discovery rootedreasonably well. Other cuttings did not fair so well and weresubsequently eliminated from the evaluation. In the spring of 2010, atthe instructions of the inventor, small trees of the originallydiscovered tree were propagated by budding to almond top stock,including three of the more popular almond varieties grown in the Stateof California, those being, the ‘Nonpareil’ (unpatented) ‘Price’ (U.S.Plant Pat. No. 2,350) and ‘Monterey’ almond varieties (unpatented).These asexually reproduced trees were placed in a test planting in theorchard discovery. Subsequent evaluations of these newly asexuallyreproduced trees confirmed that they appear identical to the originallydiscovered tree.

SUMMARY OF THE NEW VARIETY

‘Sam 1’ is a new and distinct variety of rootstock which appears to bequite useful for growing almonds and other fruit varieties. The presentvariety also appears novel in view of its demonstrated resistance toRoot-Knot nematode, and Oak Root fungus (Armillaria mellea). Stillfurther the present new variety is compatible with ‘Nonpareil’ top stockand further has a root structure which anchors the trees particularlywell such that resulting older trees resist damage which may beoccasioned by high-winds.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings are color photographs of the present variety.

FIG. 1 depicts a second generation tree of the present variety in fullbloom at the orchard discovery.

FIG. 2 depicts the blossom characteristics of a second generation treeof the present variety.

FIG. 3 depicts the fruiting characteristics of the second generationtree of the new variety at full harvest maturity.

FIG. 4 shows the fruit of the present variety at harvest maturity andfurther shows several stones removed from the fruit.

FIG. 5 depicts the root growth characteristics of the new variety ofalmond rootstock.

NOT A COMMERCIAL WARRANTY

The following detailed description has been prepared to solely complywith the provisions of 35 USC §112, and does not constitute a commercialwarranty, [either expressed or implied] that the present variety will,in the future, display all the botanical, pomological or othercharacteristics as set forth, hereinafter. Therefore, this disclosuremay not be relied upon to support any future legal claims including, butnot limited to, breach of warranty of merchantability or fitness for anyparticular purpose, or non-infringement which is directed, in whole, orin part, to the present variety.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring more specifically to the pomological and botanical details ofthis new and distinct variety of rootstock, the following has beenobserved during the 2014 growing season under the ecological conditionsprevailing in an orchard which is located near Durham, Butte County,Calif. All major color code designations are by reference to The RoyalHorticultural Society Colour Chart, 3rd Ed., provided by The RoyalHorticultural Society of Great Britain.

TREE

-   Tree vigor: Considered vigorous for the species.-   Tree form:    -   -   Generally.—Upright and spreading. The new variety of tree,            which is seen in FIG. 1, was planted at the orchard of            origin in the spring of 2009.-   Tree productivity: Productive and producing small, greenish/yellow    pubescent fruit which will be described, hereinafter.-   Regularity of bearing: Considered regular; Hardiness: Considered    hardy under typical Sacramento Valley climatic conditions.-   Current growing conditions: The described trees are located in what    is considered to be a high density planting. The distance between    the rows is about 13.3 feet (4.1 meters). The trees are spaced at a    distance of about 4 feet.-   Tree width: When measured across the crown of the tree is    approximately 10.5 feet within the row. The tree width as measured    across the row measures about 12 feet.-   Maximum tree height: About 15 feet when measured during the 2014    growing season.-   Tree trunk thickness: About 15.2 centimeters when measured at a    location approximately 3 centimeters above the graft union.-   Trunk bark texture: Slightly roughened, and having a low, somewhat    inconspicuous scarfskin.-   Trunk bark lenticels:    -   -   Numbers.—Numerous.-   Trunk bark lenticels:    -   -   Appearance.—Prominent and relatively large. The lenticels            have a width of about 4 to about 9 millimeters; and further            have a height of about 2 to about 3 millimeters.-   Bark color: Considered medium gray (RHS 201B). Occasionally the bark    appears a darker gray (RHS 201C).-   Bark lenticel color: Dark gray along the margins (RHS 201B), and    occasionally appearing RHS 201C.-   Lenticel appearance:    -   -   Generally.—The centers of the lenticels are calloused and            have a brown color (RHS 164B to 164A, respectively).-   Winter hardiness and drought/heat tolerance: Presently unknown.

BRANCHES

-   Generally: As currently observed, the present trees have lowermost    scaffold branches which fork from the trunk at a location which is    about 25 centimeters above the graft union. The basal diameter of    these two primary scaffolds branches measured about 10.2    centimeters, and 12.1 centimeters, respectively. Twelve (12)    secondary branches arise from these two primary scaffolds.-   Secondary branch diameters: About 2.8 to about 7 centimeters when    measured at the branch base.-   Upper vertical branches:    -   -   Size.—When measured at a distance of approximately 1.5            meters from the earth, these upper vertical branches have a            thickness of about 1.9 centimeters to about 3.8 centimeters            when measured at mid-shoot.-   Smaller lateral branches:    -   -   Size.—These smaller, lateral branches arising from the            vertical shoots, described above, range in thickness from            about 0.3 centimeters to 0.8 centimeters when measured at            their base.-   Branch surface texture:    -   -   Generally.—The surface texture of the two scaffold branches            and mature secondary branches is considered less rough than            the bark texture of the trunk. Bark scarf skin is present,            but is minimal in height.-   Branch color: Gray, and ranging in color from RHS 197C to RHS 177B,    respectively.-   Branch lenticels:    -   -   Size.—Medium for the variety, and ranging in size from about            2 millimeters to about 6 millimeters in width; and about 1            millimeter to about 1.5 millimeters in height.-   Lenticel color: Gray/brown, (RHS 197C), when seen along the    perimeter, and brown, (RHS 165B), in the center of the lenticels    where the interior, calloused region is present.-   Internode length: Variable, about 2.6 centimeters to about 4.5    centimeters when measured on large, upright, secondary shoots.    Smaller internode lengths are seen on smaller shoots, that is, those    measuring about 1.3 centimeters, to about 3.3 centimeters.-   Color of current shoots: The color as seen on mature and hardened    shoots is brown, and somewhat variable between (RHS 199B to RHS    165B), and further having lighter brown striations (RHS 199B).-   Color of immature shoots: Green (RHS 138C), and having areas of red    when exposed to direct sunlight (RHS 47B to RHS 45D), respectively.

LEAVES

-   Leaf size: Generally considered average for the species.-   Leaf length: Variable from about 9.8 to 13.6 centimeters, including    the petiole.-   Leaf width: About 3.2 to about 4.0 centimeters when measured at the    widest point.-   Leaf thickness:    -   -   Generally.—Considered average for the species.-   Leaf form:    -   -   Generally.—Lanceolate. The leaves are often cupped or curved            upwardly and inwardly.-   Leaf tip form: Acuminate. The leaf apex is often twisted sideways.-   Mature leaf color:    -   -   Upper surface.—Medium green (RHS 146A).-   Mature leaf color:    -   -   Lower surface.—Green (RHS 138B).-   Color:    -   -   Shoot tips.—On immature leaves this is considered lighter            green in color. This color is not distinctive however.-   Immature leaf:    -   -   Top surface color.—(RHS 146C);        -   Immature leaves—bottom surface color.—(RHS 138B).-   Leaf margins:    -   -   Generally.—Crenate. The crenations are medium to large in            size, and regular in shape.-   Leaf marginal edge:    -   -   Shape.—Undulate.-   Leaf petiole:    -   -   Length.—About 9 to about 12 millimeters in length, and about            1.5 to about 2 millimeters in thickness.-   Leaf petiole:    -   -   Color.—Greenish yellow (RHS 145C). Petiole surfaces which            are exposed to direct sunlight can have a reddish blush,            (RHS 47B). Color variations within the petiole groove is            minimal.-   Leaf glands:    -   -   Size.—Considered relatively large, and having a reniform            shape.-   Leaf glands:    -   -   Numbers.—Two to 4 glands can be seen on the leaf blade, and            are usually located, basally. Two to 5 additional glands can            occur on a leaf petiole.-   Leaf glands:    -   -   Position.—Alternate.-   Leaf glands:    -   -   Color.—When new, the leaf glands are yellow-green in color            (RHS 150A). The leaf glands darken with advancing            senescence, and become somewhat deteriorated in the center.-   Leaf stipules:    -   -   Size.—Variable from 8 to 9 millimeters in length, and when            fully expanded.-   Leaf stipules:    -   -   Form.—Linearly lanceolate.-   Stipule margin:    -   -   Shape.—Coarsely serrate in form.-   Stipule color: Light green/yellow when new (RHS 150A).-   Leaf stipules:    -   -   Form.—Deciduous early after formation, and then the Stipules            rapidly darken, deteriorate, and then fall off of the leaf.

FLOWERS

-   Bud size:    -   -   Generally.—Considered average for the species, and ranging            from about 5 to 6 millimeters in length, and from 2 to 3            millimeters, in diameter, when measured at the bud base.-   Bud form:    -   -   Generally.—Conic and considered relatively plump.-   Bud site characteristics:    -   -   Generally.—The flower buds are relatively free from the stem            surface, but are more appressed relative to the stem when            only a single floral bud is present at the node.-   Bud count per node:    -   -   Generally.—The bud count can range from 1 to 3. Frequently 2            to 3 floral buds are present.-   Bud surface texture: The surface texture is highly pubescent, and    has a gray, somewhat wooly, pubescence on the outer surface of the    bud scale (RHS 201C to RHS 201D).-   Bud color:    -   -   Inner surface of the bud scale.—Considered brown (RHS 175B),            and having a glabrous surface texture.-   Leaf buds:    -   -   Size.—Dormant leaf buds are of average size, having a length            of about 3 to 4 millimeters, and a width of about 1.5 to 2.5            millimeters in diameter when measured at the bud base. The            leaf buds are somewhat smaller than the flower buds.-   Leaf bud form:    -   -   Shape.—Conic but thinner than the associated flower buds.-   Leaf bud site characteristic: The leaf buds are moderately appressed    relative to the bearing stem.-   Leaf bud count per node: Typically 1 leaf bud is present per node.-   Leaf bud surface character:    -   -   Generally.—The outer surface of the leaf buds are pubescent.            The pubescence is gray in color (RHS 201C to about RHS            201D). The inner surface of the bud scale is generally            glabrous, and has a brown color (RHS 175B).-   Leaf bud hardiness: Considered hardy when grown under typical    Sacramento Valley and San Joaquin Valley climatic conditions.-   Date of first bloom: In 2013, this was observed on March 1.-   Date of full bloom: Approximately 10 Mar. 2013 when observed at    Newcastle, Calif. The full bloom occurs about 10 to 14 days later    than the ‘Nonpareil’ and other almond varieties that are grown in    the same vicinity, and is further approximately 4 days after the    ‘Mission’ almond variety. The present variety blooms approximately 1    to 2 days earlier than the bloom date of peach tree varieties having    approximately the same average chilling requirement as the present    variety.-   Flower size:    -   -   Generally.—Considered large and showy.        -   Flower diameter.—This dimension ranges from about 3.6 to 4.7            centimeters, when the flower is fully expanded.-   Petal count:    -   -   Generally.—5.-   Bloom quantity:    -   -   Generally.—Considered abundant.-   Numbers of flowers: 1 to 4 flowers per node are typically observed.    Usually 2 flowers are present.-   Petal size:    -   -   Length.—About 1.4 to 2.2 centimeters, including the petal            claw.-   Petal width:    -   -   Generally.—About 1.1 centimeters to about 1.5 centimeters.-   Petal claw:    -   -   Form.—Truncate.-   Petal claw:    -   -   Width.—About 0.1 centimeters.-   Petal claw:    -   -   Length.—About 0.15 centimeters to about 0.20 centimeters in            length, and tapering basally.-   Petal form: Ovate or occasionally considered weekly obovate. The    petal has a slightly undulate petal margin and the individual petals    are cupped in an inward direction.-   Petal color:    -   -   Young petals.—Medium pink (RHS 65B). This color fades with            advancing senescence to a lighter pink (RHS 69B).-   Petal claw color: Generally speaking, the area immediately adjacent    to the claw is a darker pink (RHS 65A).-   Flower pedicel size: This is considered relatively short, and having    a length of about 1 to 2 millimeters, and a thickness of about 1    millimeter.-   Pedicel color: Shiny green (RHS 149B).-   Pedicel surface texture:    -   -   Generally.—Considered glabrous. A basal ring is observed at            the base of pedicel.-   Calyx:    -   -   Surface texture.—Broadly wrinkled, and somewhat grooved, but            considered substantially glabrous.-   Calyx diameter: About 6 millimeters.-   Calyx color: Yellow, basally (RHS 150B). The upper surface of the    Calyx Cup is spotted and has a reddish/purple coloration, which is    considered variable, from about RHS 181A to RHS 181B.-   Sepals:    -   -   Numbers.—5.-   Sepals:    -   -   Form.—Conic.-   Sepal surface texture:    -   -   Upper and lower surfaces.—Glabrous.-   Sepal margins: Considered highly pubescent, and having moderately    long, wooly hairs.-   Sepal pubescence:    -   -   Color.—Gray/white (RHS 156D).-   Sepal size:    -   -   Generally.—The sepals range in length from about 5 to about            6 millimeters when fully expanded.-   Sepal width: About 2.5 to about 3.5 millimeters when measured    basally.-   Sepal color: Reddish/purple, and which is variable, (RHS 181C to    about RHS 181B). This is positioned over a greenish ground color    (RHS 150B).-   Floral nectarines:    -   -   Color.—Light orange, (RHS 162A) when young, and darkening,            when advancing senescence, to RHS 22A, when viewed on more            mature flowers.-   Anther size:    -   -   Length.—About 0.15 centimeters.-   Anthers:    -   -   Width.—About 0.10 centimeters. The anthers are considered            plump and not shriveled.-   Anther color:    -   -   Dorsal surface.—Red, (RHS 39A).-   Anthers:    -   -   Ventral surface.—Yellow, (RHS 14D).-   Filaments:    -   -   Length.—Considered variable from about 7 millimeters to            about 12 millimeters.-   Filament color: When the flower is immature, it is considered nearly    white in color, and may have a light pink coloration (RHS 65D). When    fully mature, the filaments are a dark violet color (RHS 61B). From    the date of immaturity through to a fully mature flower, the stamens    transition through many intermediate shades of color purple.-   Pollen:    -   -   Quantity.—Abundant.-   Pollen color: Yellow/gold (RHS 20A).-   Pistil:    -   -   Length.—Variable from about 10 millimeters to about 18            millimeters including the ovary.-   Pistil thickness: Variable, and measuring about 0.5 millimeters, in    width, when measured at the center point.-   Pistil color: Light green (RHS 1B).-   Stigma:    -   -   Color.—A light/yellow/orange, (RHS 15D).-   Pistil:    -   -   Surface texture.—Relatively glabrous when the upper half is            considered. The lower half of the pistil is considered very            pubescent.-   Ovary:    -   -   Length.—About 3 to 4 millimeters.-   Ovary:    -   -   Width.—About 1 to 2 millimeters.-   Ovary:    -   -   Surface texture.—Highly pubescent, and having white/gray            colored fibers (RHS 196D).-   Ovary:    -   -   Color.—Typically the ovary is yellow/green in color (RHS            145C).

FRUIT

-   Generally: The current observations of the fruit were made on Aug.    13, 2013, at Newcastle, Calif. All the color code designation are    made by reference to The Royal Horticulture Society London Colour    Chart, Third Edition (1995).-   Fruit maturity: Generally the present variety is ripe for harvesting    approximately August 11 through Aug. 15, 2013, under the ecological    conditions prevailing in Newcastle, Calif.-   Fruit size:    -   -   Generally.—Considered small and uniform.-   Fruit cheek:    -   -   Diameter.—About 3.8 cm to about 4.1 cm.-   Fruit suture diameter:    -   -   Generally.—About 3.8 cm to about 4.2 cm.-   Fruit axial length: About 3.3 cm to about 4.4 cm.-   Fruit form:    -   -   Generally.—Considered globose to very slightly ovate when            considered in its lateral aspect, and is further considered            oval to very nearly globose when viewed from its apical            aspect.-   Fruit symmetry:    -   -   Generally.—Somewhat fully symmetrical, and occasionally            slightly asymmetrical, and with one-half of the fruit being            slightly larger than the other.-   Fruit suture:    -   -   Generally.—Visible and extending from the base to the apex.            The fruit suture appears deeper at, and across, the fruit            apex, and within the fruit basin. No stitching or callous            formation is visible on the suture, and no color is            specifically associated with the suture.-   Ventral surface of the fruit:    -   -   Surface texture.—This region can be occasionally considered            quite smooth, but most often the fruit displays a very            slightly lipped appearance. The aforementioned lipping, when            present on the ventral surface, is more pronounced over the            basal and apical shoulder areas.-   Fruit stem cavity:    -   -   Size.—Considered small, and having a width of about 10 to 12            mm, and a length of about 13 to about 15 mm.-   Fruit stem cavity:    -   -   Shape.—Oval in form.-   Fruit stem cavity:    -   -   Depth.—About 8 to 9 mm. There is no specific coloration            association with the stem cavity area.-   Fruit base:    -   -   Shape.—Slight truncate. The fruit base is frequently at a            right angle to the overall fruit axis.-   Fruit apex:    -   -   Form.—Somewhat variable, but most frequently it will appear            with a very short tip. However, and occasionally the fruit            apex may appear depressed.-   Fruit pistil point:    -   -   Orientation.—Considered oblique to the fruit axis. However,            and occasionally the pistil point can be fully apical.-   Fruit stem:    -   -   Length.—Considered short for the species, and having a            length of about 3.5 to about 5.0 mm.-   Fruit stem:    -   -   Thickness.—About 2 to about 2.5 mm.-   Stem color: Yellow-green (RHS 145B) and having occasional areas of    brown, (RHS 175A).-   Fruit skin:    -   -   Thickness.—Considered relatively thick for the species.-   Fruit skin:    -   -   Surface texture.—A short grayish-colored pubescence is            present (RHS 196D).-   Fruit skin:    -   -   Flavor.—Neutral to occasionally acidic in flavor.-   Fruit skin:    -   -   Attachment.—Considered strong, until the underlying fruit is            in a soft-ripe condition. When the fruit reaches a soft-ripe            maturity the skin peels easily from the flesh.-   Fruit skin:    -   -   Tendency to split.—The skin shows no tendency to crack or            split.-   Fruit skin:    -   -   Coloration.—Generally — At full maturity, most fruit are            approximately 50% green, and yellow, but much variability in            color can be present. The green color is (RHS 145C), and the            yellow color is a pale yellow (RHS 160B). Occasionally some            relatively thin red-colored striping can be present on the            skin surface (RHS 39B). When red coloration does occur it            usually covers only from about 3% to about 5% of the fruit            surface.-   Flesh color:    -   -   Generally.—Cream-yellow (RHS 11B), and occasionally a more            greenish yellow (RHS 145B to 145C) respectively, may appear.            The color of the flesh surrounding the stone is            approximately similar to the overall flesh coloration.-   Flesh texture:    -   -   Generally.—At harvest maturity, the flesh texture is soft            and moderately fibrous.-   Fruit ripening: The fruit appears to ripen first along the top of    the basal shoulders.-   Fruit aroma:    -   -   Generally.—Mildly aromatic, and having a pleasant aroma.-   Fruit flavor:    -   -   Generally.—The fruit has poor eating quality. The flavor is            acidic with moderate to strong astringency.

STONE

-   The stone is a clingstone which has many flesh fibers attached to    the stone surface, throughout.-   Stone size:    -   -   Generally.—Considered small for the species.-   Stone length: About 2.4 to 2.8 cm.-   Stone width: About 1.5 to about 1.6 cm.-   Stone thickness: About 1.4 to 1.6 cm.-   Fibers:    -   -   Generally.—Numerous relatively long fibers are present, and            are attached to the stone surface in a multitude of places.-   Stone form:    -   -   Generally.—Considered slightly variable, and most frequently            oval. However and occasionally, stones may be found which            tend to be slightly ovate in shape.-   Stone base:    -   -   Shape.—Rounded and only occasionally truncate.-   Stone hilum:    -   -   Size.—Small, and generally oval in form. The hilum is            typically substantially eroded.-   Stone apex:    -   -   Generally.—Pointed and having a sharp, dentate tip.-   Stone size:    -   -   Generally.—The sides are usually equal and only occasionally            slightly unequal sides are found on some stones.-   Stone surface texture: Lateral surfaces of the stone have both pits    and grooves present. As a general matter, the sides are more    strongly grooved, and ridged near the stone edges. Still further,    the lateral grooves are deep, coarse and ridged, throughout.-   Ventral edge:    -   -   Size.—The ventral edge ranges in width from about 3 to about            4 mm when measured at mid-suture. The ventral edge wings are            relatively low, and converge both basally, and apically.-   Dorsal edge:    -   -   Shape.—The dorsal edge is subtended by a dorsal groove that            is typically continuous from the stone tip, to the stone            base. The dorsal groove can be transected in several places            by deep, coarse, lateral grooves.-   Stone color: The dry stone is a medium light brown (RHS 177C). The    stone's color is substantially consistent throughout.-   Tendency to split:    -   -   Generally.—There is no observed tendency for the stone to            split.-   Stone seed:    -   -   Size.—Relatively small. The stone seed has a length of about            13 mm to about 14.5 mm; a width of about 8 to about 9 mm;            and a seed thickness of about 5-6 mm.-   Seed form:    -   -   Shape.—Considered ovate. The embryo is plump and well            filled.-   Seed coat:    -   -   Color.—Light brown (RHS 165B), and further having some            darker brown longitudinal striping (RHS 166C).-   Resistance to root—knot nematode:    -   -   Generally.—The variety appears to be highly resistant or            tolerant of Root-Knot nematode when grown under the            ecological conditions prevailing in northern California.-   Resistance to oak root fungus: The present variety seems to be    highly resistant to this particular fungus.-   Usage: The present variety is considered to be an ideal root stock    for almonds and other similar varieties of trees.

Although the new variety of root stock possesses the describedcharacteristics when grown under the ecological conditions prevailing innorthern California, it should be understood that variations of theusual magnitude, and characteristics incident to changes in growingconditions; fertilization; pruning; pest control; frost; climaticvariables; and horticultural management would be expected.

Having thus described and illustrated my new variety of root stock whatI claim is new and desired is secured by Plant Letter Patent is:
 1. Anew and distinct variety of root stock substantially as illustrated anddescribed and which is characterized principally as to novelty by itssignificant resistance to Oak Root fungus and Root-Knot nematode whencompared to other common cultivars.